Charlotte, NC
A 18-year-old female asked:
I dropped a 60 pound log on my left big toe and now the nail is purple and the area just below the nail is red and swollen. is it broken?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Shari Schabowskianswered
Specializes in Emergency Medicine
Broken?: If it is very painful it may be a subungual hematoma. This is blood trapped under the nail under pressure. If this is your problem the nail has to be trephinated (hole in it) to drain the blood. If it is a subungual hematoma it will be very painful to put pressure on the nail. If it is broken and you tap the end of the toe the vibration will cause localized pain at the site of the fracture.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Ejiro Isiorhoanswered
Podiatry 10 years experience
Broken Toe: You should go to see your doctor or go to an urgent care center for x-rays. It would be beneficial if you get referred to a podiatrist for final management of your sore toe.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
1 comment
Dr. Lee Stein commented
undefined 24 years experience
X-rays are necessary . Sometimes this injury can represent an open fracture
if the nail bed is injured and there is a
broken toe.
Jan 16, 2015
Last updated May 11, 2018
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